BETH EL - THE BEACHES SYNAGOGUE Gets a New Rabbi RABBINICAL INSTALLATION

By Joy Shultz Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

There is a new Rabbi in town in Ponte Vedra Beach at Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue. July 1, 2022, marked the first day for Rabbi Benjamin Dyme to begin his work at Beth El. After an intense vetting process - which he passed brilliantly - Beth El invited Rabbi Dyme to move to Florida and become Beth El’s rabbi. Beth El’s beloved and respected rabbi of 13 years, Rabbi Michael Matuson, retired on June 30, 2022. We were tearful and sad to see him go, but our congregation opened their arms to Rabbi Dyme. Immediately, People found him to be extremely easy to talk to as he captured our congregation’s heart completely.

He was immediately introduced to his first B’nai Mitzvah, as well as other life cycle events. It was obvious that even though he had not much time working with these awesome kids, Rabbi Dyme managed to build a terrific rapport with these students and honored them as they displayed their services. Rabbi Dyme also felt that being involved in Sunday School and developing a warm relationship with each of the students was of utmost importance. To say the least, he has made a wonderful connection and bond with all who attend Beth El.

As a child, Rabbi Dyme thought about becoming a Rabbi. After college, he worked several jobs - including a job at Hillel, a barista in a coffee shop, and in administration at the University of Pennsyl- vania in the Chemistry Department. During this time, he studied for and earned his Master’s in Creative Writing. After being asked to officiate weddings of some of his friends, Rabbi Dyme decided it was time to do what he dreamed of and become a rabbi. In 2015, he applied to Rabbinical school and was accepted. He received his ordination in 2022. Midrash classes proved to be some of his favorites. Some of Rabbi Dyme’s hobbies inlude reading, writing, movies, and playing Dungeons & Dragons. Additionally, he created a game for students to learn from called “Saving the Second Temple.” It is a role-playing game which is used in other Jewish educational elements.

We are beyond elated to announce and invite everyone in the Jacksonville area to Rabbi Benjamin Dyme’s Rabbinical Installation. It will be held at Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue, beginning with Shabbat Services, on Friday April 28, 2023. Following Shabbat Services, there will be a Saturday morning service, including installation, a presentation by Rabbi Dyme’s mentors, a Kiddush luncheon, and on Saturday night, there will be a Celebration with a Havdalah service, dinner, and cocktails. Please save the date! For more information, please contact Joy Shultz at (904) 534-3926, or email elissa@bethelbeaches.org

We look forward to sharing this time with you and hope to have many people from our wonderful community join us in helping celebrate our new Rabbi.